Leaders of women's colleges in Western Mass. keeping eye on news of mystery donations

Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Bay Path Colleges are all hoping that the check is in the mail.

They, and other institutions of higher education, have been closely following the news of an anonymous donor - or donors - who has given around $75 million to at least a dozen colleges and universities across the country.

As the story has unfolded over the past two months, at least one common denominator has surfaced: all of the colleges have women presidents.

"It's pretty intriguing and exciting," said Maryanne C. Young, director of development at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley where Joanne V. Creighton is president. "If the donor is reading this, give me a call."

Mount Holyoke, Smith in Northampton, and Bay Path in Longmeadow all have women presidents. None has yet to receive one of the anonymous donations, but all say they would welcome such a gift.

The colleges that have received these cash infusions, ranging from about $1 million to $10 million, are mostly large, public universities, such as the University of Southern Mississippi, Michigan State University and State University of New York's Binghamton University. The University of Alaska Anchorage became the latest fortunate recipient when Chancellor Fran Ulmer announced on Friday the university had received $7 million.

Mount Holyoke, Smith and Bay Path are small, private women's colleges, but, that doesn't mean the story is any less intriguing.

"Anonymous donors are always very interesting," said Patricia P. Jackson, vice president for advancement at Smith where Carol T. Christ is president. "It's just the excitement of the mystery that anonymity sparks."

"So far, all of the institutions that have received gifts have been public institutions, although we're all waiting," Jackson added.

The college development community is a close network, and the story is big news, Jackson said. News reports say recipients are contacted by a law firm or some other intermediary and are instructed not to try to uncover the donor's identity. Checks then arrive on campus. Many of the colleges are instructed to give a substantial amount of the donation to financial aid.

"I think every college is hoping," said Kathleen M. Bourque, vice president for institutional advancement at Bay Path where Carol A. Leary is president. "It seems to be somebody or some group that realizes the great need for financial aid for students."

Young's best guess is "it's an individual who has a big heart and wants to make a difference."

Theories have abounded about whether it's one person or a group of investors. Oprah Winfrey's representatives have said she's not the source. The estate of the late Leona Helmsley, which gave away $136 million recently, also denied being the source.

Bourque, Jackson and Young all say the attention being given to women-led colleges is welcome, even if the check never arrives.

"We're thrilled to have the attention to philanthropy and women's leadership," Jackson said. "Any attention to philanthropy at the national level is a gift to us, whether we're getting a check or not."

But, Young couldn't help but make one last plug for her college.

"We educate young women to become leaders," Young said. "It would be wonderful if this donor would consider making a donation to Mount Holyoke."

Elms College, a small, Catholic co-educational school in Chicopee, is also aware of the philanthropic mystery and is more interested than ever because on July 1 it will welcome a female president when Sister Mary Reap takes the helm.

"Maybe we'll attract some attention for that with a new president who is a woman who has strength and knowledge in fund-raising," said Debbie K. Baker, senior director of development. "It's a challenging time for many institutions in fund-raising. We are absolutely watching and keeping our eyes and ears open to who that person might be and come onto their radar screen."

However this story unfolds, it remains "fascinating," Bourque said.

"I'm sure there's an incredible amount of conjecture on who's doing it. We may never know, and that's OK."